You know it’s a scammy day on X when even the memes come with malware. But the bait looks better than ever—verified accounts, slick graphics, and promises of free tokens. What could go wrong? (Spoiler: everything.)
In this publication, we're uncovering a scam that's targeting crypto users right where they spend their time—on X. Whether you're new to the space or a seasoned trader, these scams are getting harder to spot and easier to fall for. Let’s dive in.
Scammers Are Hijacking X Accounts to Steal Crypto—Here’s How
Hackers are compromising verified X (formerly Twitter) accounts or creating fake ones that look legit. They post links advertising exclusive airdrops, limited-time token launches, or wallet connect offers. Once you click and interact with the link—boom—your wallet could be drained in seconds. The designs are so convincing, many users don’t realize what’s happening until their funds are long gone.
How It Works:
- Hijack or Impersonate: Scammers either hack into verified X accounts (like news outlets or influencers) or create copycats with near-identical usernames and branding.
- Post the Bait: They post messages about “free airdrops,” “exclusive tokens,” or “limited-time offers,” often with a link.
- Link Leads to a Trap: Clicking the link sends users to a fake site mimicking a legit wallet or DeFi project, where users are prompted to connect their wallet or sign a smart contract.
- Wallet Drained: The moment users approve a contract or enter credentials, scammers gain access and steal tokens instantly.
- Cover Their Tracks: Funds are routed through multiple wallets, mixed, and laundered into exchanges like Binance or via cross-chain bridges.
Who’s Targeted:
These scams focus on:
- Crypto traders and investors, especially those active in DeFi or NFTs
- Memecoin enthusiasts chasing the next $PEPE or $DOGE
- Newcomers to the crypto space who may not double-check URLs or use cold storage
- Influencers and journalists with large X followings, whose accounts can be hijacked and weaponized
Real-Life Examples:
💥 WIRED Journalist Hacked (May 2025): A journalist’s X account was hijacked to promote a fake WIRED coin. The scam ran for less than 20 minutes but netted attackers $8K–$10K. He hadn’t enabled 2FA. One victim demanded $2,800 back and sent threats via Telegram.
💥 Pump.fun Account Compromised (Feb 2025): Scammers promoted a fake $PUMP governance token, then doubled down with another fake called “GPT-4.5.” They even threatened to delete the account if it hit a $100M market cap.
💥 Trump Family Accounts Hacked (Sept 2024): Lara and Tiffany Trump’s accounts were breached and used to push a fake crypto project. The posts were taken down quickly, but the damage was done.
Why You Should Care:
Crypto scams like these aren’t just digital pranks. They're fast, brutal, and irreversible. If your wallet is drained, it’s gone. With scams now leveraging real influencers and legit-looking domains, even savvy users are getting duped. These scams also damage trust in projects, influencers, and the platforms we rely on.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Double-Check Links: Hover over links (on desktop) or preview them on mobile. Look for misspelled domains or strange endings like .xyz or .click.
• Use 2FA: Always enable two-factor authentication using apps like Google Authenticator or Authy—SMS is no longer safe enough.
• Separate Wallets: Use a “hot” wallet for everyday transactions and a separate “cold” wallet (hardware or offline) for your long-term holdings.
• Scrutinize the Source: Even verified accounts get hacked. Check the post history. If an account suddenly starts shilling crypto, think twice.
• Avoid Emotional Traps: If a post says “Only 30 mins left!” or “Claim now or miss out forever,” it’s probably a scam.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip: “If it’s too good to be true on X, it definitely is. Real projects don’t beg you to ‘connect wallet now.’”
Pro Tip: Bookmark official sites and ONLY use those to access crypto services. Never click links from DMs or unfamiliar posts.
Update: Scam Sniffer reports over 300 fake crypto accounts pop up on X daily—nearly double the average from late 2024. Stay sharp.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords
- Airdrop Scam: A fake giveaway of crypto tokens meant to trick users into connecting wallets or signing malicious contracts.
- Phishing: A cybercrime where attackers trick victims into revealing sensitive information or approving harmful actions.
- Wallet Drainer: Malicious code that empties a crypto wallet once a user unknowingly authorizes access.
- 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication): An extra layer of account security that requires both a password and a secondary method to log in.
- Hot Wallet: A crypto wallet connected to the internet, making it more convenient but more vulnerable.
- Cold Wallet: An offline crypto wallet that offers higher security for long-term storage.
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